NRM Loses Sight of Ideology in Kisoro By-Election Primaries, says Dr Kasujja

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NRM Loses Sight of Ideology in Kisoro By-Election Primaries, says Dr Kasujja
Dr Kasujja sees ideology gaps in NRM | Lukia Nantaba

Dr Kasujja, who is also a political science lecturer at both Ndejje and Kabale Universities, highlighted that the NRM has shifted away from its core political principles, prioritising personal interests and political expediency.

Senior political analyst Dr John Paul Kasujja has criticised the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party for losing its ideological focus during the ongoing NRM primaries for the Kisoro by-election.

Dr Kasujja’s comments come after President Museveni last week summoned the 13 women contesting for the NRM party flag to a meeting at State House, Entebbe.

The Nile Post on Monday revealed that during the meeting, President Museveni advised the aspirants to step aside in favour of Akifeza Grace.

Afterward, the candidates were directed to NRM headquarters at Plot 10, Kyadondo Road, Kampala, to further resolve the matter with the party secretariat.

Following these meetings, the NRM Electoral Commission released a statement on Monday, October 14, 2024, announcing that several candidates—Sylivia Dushime, Louise Nyikiza, Allen Nkurikiye, Aphia Nyiramahoro, and Eva Twizera—had agreed to step down.

However, Tanga Odoi, NRM's Electoral Commission chairperson, clarified that no financial compensation had been offered to those who withdrew from the race.

The remaining candidates challenging Akifeza Grace include Hellen Mbonye, Winfred Igiraneza, Jemimah Irakunda, Rose Kabagyeni, Blessed Kitentera, and Nirere Fancy Bredah.

Dr Kasujja, who is also a political science lecturer at both Ndejje and Kabale Universities, highlighted that the NRM has shifted away from its core political principles, prioritising personal interests and political expediency.

He warned that this perceived ideological drift could alienate loyal supporters in Kisoro who expect a stronger commitment to the party’s foundational values.

“The confusion you see in the NRM primaries for the Kisoro by-election reflects the party's internal challenges regarding unity. It also suggests a larger issue within the NRM as a political institution,” said Dr. Kasujja.

He expressed concern over the number of candidates contesting on the NRM ticket, questioning whether they truly understand the party's ideology.

“When you have 13 candidates all vying for the NRM flag, you have to ask whether they are motivated by the party's ideology or by personal gain. The inability of candidates to make way for others indicates a lack of ideological grounding within the party,” he stated.

When asked about the notable absence of the Mateke family in this by-election, despite their long-standing political influence in Kisoro, Dr Kasujja expressed his opposition to political succession, stating that voters should elect candidates based on merit rather than familial ties. He argued that succession politics undermines democratic principles.

“We have seen succession systems emerge in some areas, but this is not a good example of democracy,” Dr Kasujja remarked.

He added that the current Kisoro by-election offers an opportunity to demonstrate democracy within the NRM, as candidates are being selected based on competence rather than family inheritance.

He further advised the Mateke family to allow other competent candidates to vie for leadership positions, instead of clinging to their legacy.

“If someone is not competent, they should step aside and let other capable candidates lead. This is how the best candidate can emerge for the party,” Dr. Kasujja concluded.

Following the disruptions caused by the Kampala meeting with the party chairman, the remaining candidates are set to resume their campaigns on Thursday.

The Kisoro District Woman MP seat became vacant following the death of Sarah Mateke, who had also served as the State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs.

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